I’m an Engineer, Ambassador, and founder of STEMDan. I’ve been an engineer for over 25 years, and my interest in how things work goes back even further.
Engineering has given me incredible opportunities and challenges. My passion is seeing young people develop into the engineers of tomorrow, ready to tackle the world’s problems.
The Spark of Curiosity (Where it all began)
Growing up in Derbyshire, under the shadow of the Crooked Spire of Chesterfield, I was always fascinated by how things worked. I often took things apart to see if I could mend them, though sometimes it didn’t quite go to plan!
My first dive into technology was coding on a Commodore 64 computer—hours spent writing lines of code just to watch a balloon icon move across the screen. I was fascinated by structures, how things were put together, and how nature had carved the landscape around the Peak District. I was always trying to find answers.
My dad taught me a lot about engineering. We spent countless hours looking at steam engines and tanks. In school, I studied technical design and drawing, where I loved making things. I even designed a device to help golfers put tees in the ground without bending down! (The market research was flawed, but the engineering challenge was fun.)
From CAD to the Cockpit (The Engineering Path)
My first exposure to engineering work was during a work experience week. I quickly learned to draw a Blizzard Toys truck from a book and managed to complete the CAD drawing in a single day—I was chuffed to bits!
I enrolled on a Modern Apprenticeship as a Medical Gas Design Engineer in Staveley. I learned how to follow safety standards and produce designs for pipeline systems in hospitals all over the world, ensuring life-saving oxygen reached every patient who needed it.
I spent time at college, earning CNC and HNC qualifications in engineering, materials, machining, and manufacturing.
While the apprenticeship was a great prospect, I had a burning desire to join the RAF. So in the summer of 2000 I enlisted into the RAF as an Airframe Technician, learning my trade at RAF Cosford before moving to Norfolk and the Might Tornado GR4.
From Technician to Teacher
My time in the RAF was truly brilliant. The work was demanding, the challenges complex, and being away from home was tough, but I gained amazing lifelong memories and deep friendships.
My job as an Airframe Technician (and later a Mechanical Technician) took me to incredible places. My passion for problem-solving absolutely thrived. I was always at the forefront of the most challenging tasks, leading initiatives like:
- Redesigning a crucial tool to be more efficient, resulting in a saving of over \textsterling 25,000.
- Implementing recovery plans for broken aircraft on three separate occasions, drastically reducing the reliance on invaluable air transport resources.
My dedication to efficiency and innovation was recognized—I was honoured four times in the Queen’s Honours List with senior leader commendations, and I was the winner of the RAF Engineering Competition 2020 (incorporating my digital skills developed with Raspberry Pi and MicroBit into the winning design).
The STEMDan Mission
People often tell me I have a knack for explaining complex things in simple ways, whether it’s the inner workings of a hydraulic actuator or just fixing an issue on my dad’s computer.
Having spent eight years in the RAF Air Cadets myself, I wanted to give back to an organization that had given me so much, so I volunteered at my local unit. I taught subjects like Principles of Flight and Propulsion, and planned various adventurous days out and night exercises.
Beyond the classroom, I support the engineering profession through the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). I volunteer for the IET Awards Panel, initially as an assessor and now as the Chair of the Panel. This involves assessing and deciding the winners for three prestigious awards, one of which I was fortunate enough to win in 2018.
I also review applications for the IET Future Talent Scholarships. This program is designed to financially launch engineering careers for students facing hardship or to boost the final years of the best performers.
When the demands of 31 Squadron meant the time away from home made volunteering too difficult, I had to stop the Air Cadets. But the passion for teaching was still there and needed a new outlet.
In 2015, I became a registered STEM Ambassador. I was one of the first at my Unit, and I immediately started planning sessions for schools and big engagement events. My passion for engineering and inexplicable memory for quirky facts pushed me to create unique, engaging activities.
I used all sorts of equipment—from Mobile Team Activity sets (Big Plastic Meccano) and K’Nex, to traditional cardboard and wood—to demonstrate principles like lift on a scaled-down wing. I also loved incorporating simple digital electronics like the MicroBit into activities to show the link between physical engineering and coding.
When the RAF Centenary and Year of Engineering came around, the coordinator challenged me to invent a competition for schools. This is how ‘Balsa in a Box’ was born. I designed a simple balsa and card kit for students to build a glider. The competition was a massive success, culminating in a ‘Fly Off’ event at Marham for over 130 children!
Why I Keep Doing It
To date, I have led STEM sessions for thousands of students all over the UK, delivering them both face-to-face and even virtually during the COVID lockdowns. I hope to never stop inspiring future talent!
One moment stands above all others, and it’s the reason I keep doing this work. During one session, a young female student was completely disinterested. When I asked her why, she simply said, “I can’t be an engineer; I’m a girl.” This showed me that negative stereotypes still persist. We talked, I encouraged her to get involved, and by the end, she absolutely loved the session. This confirmed my commitment to breaking down barriers and showing every young person that STEM is for everyone.
A New Chapter: The Birth of STEMDan
After 23 years of service in the RAF, I made the tough decision to leave and prioritize my family, ensuring I could spend more time at home.
Following a brief pause to STEM during that career transition, I am now back in earnest, and this is where STEMDan has officially been born. I have established myself as an independent STEM creator, focusing on bringing engaging, hands-on activities—like the original ‘Balsa in a Box’—to an even wider audience.
My mission continues: to use my engineering experience to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers across the UK.
